DOCETAXEL

This drug can cause allergic reactions and swelling (fluid retention/edema) even with the use of preventive medications. Do not use this drug if you have an allergic reaction to containing polysorbate 80.

Also, for those who have liver problems, receiving higher doses, and patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have received certain other chemotherapy drugs known as “platinums”, there is an increased risk of fatal reactions.

If you experience swelling, dizziness or fainting, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, severe swelling of the abdomen, skin rash, easy bleeding or bruising, sores in the mouth or throat, or symptoms of infection such as fever and sore throat, seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor will closely monitor you and your blood counts and liver tests while you are receiving docetaxel.

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive tearing, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling drunk, constipation, and loss of appetite, swelling of the hands/feet/legs, unexplained weight gain, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, muscle or joint pain, persistent weakness or fatigue, eye pain, irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, severe headache, decrease in the amount of urine, chest pain, vision changes (such as blurred vision, decreased vision, seeing flashes of light), infection (fever, chills or persistent sore throat).

Temporary hair loss and nail changes may occur. Normal hair growth and nail appearance should return after treatment has ended.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and  medical history before taking this drug, especially of:  liver problems, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary effusions), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), weak immune system (e.g., neutropenia), blood problems (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia), blood pressure problems.

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because thid drug can make you dizzy.  This drug also contains alcohol and may make you feel drunk.

Do not have immunizations without your doctor’s consent. Avoid getting cut or bruised.  Older patients may be more sensitive to side effects (anemia, dizziness, diarrhea, infection, swelling, mouth sores, and weight loss).

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions 

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: medications that may have a bad reaction with alcohol (such as disulfiram, metronidazole, tinidazole), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), HIV drugs (such as ritonavir), St. John’s wort, among others, products that cause drowsiness including other alcohol-containing medications or alcoholic beverages, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone).

Overdose

Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose

Receive each scheduled dose for the best treatment outcome.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Brands

Daxotel [ Fresenius Kabi ]        Docetax [ Biomedis Oncology ]

Hentaxel [ Jiangsu Hengrui ]    Hospira Docetaxel [ Hospira ]

Oncotaxel [ Actavis ]                Taceedo 20/Taceedo 80 [ Ambica ]

Taxotere [ sanofi-aventis ]

 Also marketed as

Doxecal [ Kalbe ]